Chancellor Launches New Market Open Ceremony at London Stock Exchange

• Unique and vibrant ceremony for companies listing on LSE markets
• Cutting-edge innovative technology employed, with market data, bespoke company content and live news from CNBC
• Showcases London as the international home for business

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon George Osborne MP, today launched the London Stock Exchange’s new market open ceremony in Paternoster Square.
The new ceremony will be a globally recognised symbol of London as a world class financial and business centre, synonymous with its history, breadth of expertise and deep pool of international liquidity.

The installation is one of the largest of its type in the world, with over 500 high definition LED screens, a giant central illuminated globe and a bespoke ‘market open’ mechanism. Companies listing on the most international capital market in the world will be invited to open the market at 8am, signalling the start of London market trading.

The Rt Hon George Osborne MP said:
“I am delighted to inaugurate the new market open ceremony at the London Stock Exchange.
“As the world’s most international exchange, the London Stock Exchange brings businesses from all over the world to London, fuelling our reputation as the world’s premier global financial centre. I am proud that the Exchange is home to the world’s most successful growth market – AIM which plays a vital role in enabling UK SMEs to drive our economy. I hope this new market open ceremony will help to showcase London’s unique strengths”.

Xavier Rolet, CEO of the London Stock Exchange Group said:
“I am very pleased to welcome the Rt Hon George Osborne MP to launch the London Stock Exchange’s new market open ceremony. This ceremony represents the vibrancy and strength of our markets –the most international in the world.
“Newly listed companies, large and small, will benefit from the opportunity to raise their profile, celebrate their success and take part in a unique ceremony that welcomes them to London.”

The world’s leading global business and financial news provider, CNBC, is exclusively working with the LSE Group on the new market installation, providing a live television feed and news headlines from launch.

Mick Buckley, President and CEO, EMEA at CNBC said:
“We are very pleased to be a part of this exciting new market opening ceremony. Our partnership with the Exchange means that visitors are able to watch CNBC’s real-time coverage and analysis of the markets, live on the installation’s screens.”

As well as companies listing on the market, the installation offers other exciting marketing and event opportunities for the London Stock Exchange Group, as well as the chance to expand the market open ceremony to non-listing invited VIPs and guests.